Evaluating Web Resources

This guide outlines criteria for evaluating resources from the World Wide Web. This checklist will help you determine whether or not you should use a particular website for your research papers.

Evaluate the web sited based on the following criteria, circling either Y (Yes) or N (No) for each.
 
Authority

1. Author/Organization is identifiable, i.e., biographical information about the author or institutional affiliation and addresses are offered. YES / NO
2. Sponsor/location of the site (identified by the URL or web address) is appropriate to the website's material, i.e., .edu for educational research material. YES / NO
3. Mail-to link is offered for submission of questions or comments. YES / NO

Scope

4. Document includes a list of additional print and electronic sources. YES / NO
5. Links included appear relevant and appropriate to the site. YES /  NO

Currency

6. Document includes a publication date or "last updated" date that is current. YES / NO
7.  All links to remote sites work. YES / NO
 
Purpose

8. Intended audience is easily identifiable. YES / NO
9. Intent of information (to inform, teach, sell, persuade, entertain or enlighten) is clearly stated or implied. YES / NO

Accuracy

10. Document includes a bibliography. YES / NO
11. Author provides both sides of the argument with no evidence of bias. YES / NO

Usability

12. Site is laid out clearly and logically and is easy to navigate. YES / NO
13. Graphics and art serve a function. YES / NO
14. Writing style is appropriate for the intended audience and follows basic rules of grammar and spelling. YES / NO

Today's Date:
Title of Site:
URL (web address):
Author's Name:
Date of publication or last revision: